Carol Elaine Lakey

Carol Elaine Lakey (nee Marsh), 71, passed away Friday, March 10, 2017 in Grand Prarie after complications due to Alzheimers. Funeral: 1:00 p.m. Monday at First Christian Church, 910 S Collins St, Arlington. Visitation: The family will receive friends from 3-5 p.m. Sunday at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington. Interment: Moore Memorial Gardens, Arlington. Memorials: Donations may be made to Bikes for Mission Arlington, www.bikesformissionarlington.org. Carol was born March 25, 1945 in Marshall, Texas to Gay Jaques Marsh Sr. Marion Parsons Marsh. She graduated Pascal High School, Fort Worth, Texas in 1962 and received a bachelors degree in education from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1992. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Lloyd M. Lakey. Carol is survived by son Mike and wife Jet of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia; son Danny and wife Deanna of Pantego, Texas; brother Jack Marsh and wife Mary; grandchildren Maci, Lane, and Bodhi; brother-in-law Gary Lakey; sister-in-law Pat Stanley and husband, Jim. Carol had a long career in school administration and education. She taught in many school systems around the Metroplex in her 30+ years as an educator/administrator, but she spent the majority of her career teaching her favorite subject, Texas History, to seventh grade students in the Arlington School District. History wasn't just part of her career, it was also her favorite avocation. Carol loved historical travel and reading about history, and her desire to witness history first hand fueled many family vacations. Outside of her family, Carol dedicated much of her time in the service of others. She volunteered her time to numerous service organizations, including the PTA and Cub Scouts. She was also an active member of First Christian Church of Arlington for over 50 years, where she served the church in numerous capacities as Deacon, Elder, and youth leader for over 20 years. Carol and Mike were active supporters of the local music community as fans, patrons, and hosts. Both were a fixture at many local venues and events, and their companionship, camaradarie, and love of dancing is remembered fondly by many who shared a table or an evening with them. Carol will always be remembered for the kindness and joy that she extended to everyone she encountered. Most of us strive to find the positive in a person or situation. For Carol, it was a way of life. She seemed incapable of speaking or thinking negatively about anyone. While those of us who knew her will miss her terribly, she has left behind a world that is brighter and more joyful because she lived.